Duane kept silence, however, and then Stevens went on.
"Stranger, in this here country two's a crowd.

It's safer.

I never was much on this lone-wolf dodgin', though I've done it of necessity.

It takes a damn good man to travel alone any length of time.

Why, I've been thet sick I was jest achin' fer some ranger to come along an' plug me.
Give me a pardner any day.